Shyamalan shares heartfelt bond with Willis amid health battle
M. Night Shyamalan and Bruce Willis created four films together, and the director described the star as a close family member. Shyamalan revealed his sincere reaction to Willis' diagnosis, unable to hold back tears. He recently discussed the actor's current condition at the premiere of his latest movie.
5:24 PM EDT, April 24, 2024
Shyamalan's career kickstarted in the early '90s, initially funded by family and friends. His big break appeared towards the decade's end when he was chosen to helm a gripping horror film about a boy communicating with the dead and his empathetic psychologist. Initially, Shyamalan was one of many candidates for the director position of "The Sixth Sense." However, he received firm backing from Bruce Willis, a huge star at the time.
"I think when you have this kind of relationship between art and commerce that the movie industry is, you need someone to be a champion for you that has the ability to protect you as you move through the process. And for me, at 25, 26, Bruce was that person. He used his power, his clout, and just said, ‘I believe in this guy. I believe in this kid, and I believe in this movie.’..." - Shyamalan recalled in an online statement that Willis' support was pivotal for his breakthrough, enabling him to maintain artistic freedom.
"My father is also suffering from similar kinds of things"
Bruce Willis has been an idol for M. Night Shyamalan since the "Die Hard" series, prompting Shyamalan to adorn his room with the actor's posters. Despite their different backgrounds, the two forged a significant bond.
"I’m not being self-deprecating here, but I’m a nerdy, boring dude most of the time. But when I first got to hang out with him, I felt the electric charm of this blue-collar, great-looking guy. He could take over a room with his humor and his charm, and that’s what he could imbue into his characters," Shyamalan shared with "The Hollywood Reporter".
"The Sixth Sense" was a monumental success, grossing nearly a billion dollars. Following this, Willis starred in "Unbreakable," "Split," and "Glass," all directed by Shyamalan. Three years after "Glass," Willis disclosed his aphasia diagnosis and retired from acting.
"I had a lot of tears about it. My father is also suffering from similar kinds of things, so [I'm] having it on both fronts" - said Shyamalan.
The question about the actor
Currently, M. Night Shyamalan is promoting "Trap," his latest film, and celebrating the 25th anniversary of "The Sixth Sense." At a recent press conference, when asked about Bruce Willis, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, Shyamalan praised Willis' family for their devoted care.
"He has a very loving family. They're doing the best they can," he mentioned as reported by "People".
